Ventilation system

ABSTRACT

An improved ventilation apparatus, system and method for attaching a base portion to a top unit of an outdoor building ventilation system is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ventilation with an improved and unique clasping system for attaching the to portion unit and the base unit of an outdoor ventilation system together for easier transport and assembly at a building construction site. Additionally, the present invention allow for removal and replacement of either the top portion or the base portion relative to its corresponding parts without the need to replace the entirety of the ventilation system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is generally ventilation systems. More specifically, the invention relates to building ventilation system and the method for connecting a top portion to a base portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ventilation systems were invented because of the move by civilization from outdoor type living to indoor living. The need for increased air flow and circulation of air made ventilation of an indoor building essential to comfortable living. Ventilation systems simply exchange air in one area with air from another space. The use of a ventilation system may allow for removal of odor and other particulates that may have built up in an indoor area. Additionally, ventilation system may provide for exchange of other gaseous issues such as smoke, heat, dust and/or other contaminates. Ventilating a building may include exchange of outdoor air with indoor air along with circulation of exclusively indoor air.

In the building construction business, contractors typically utilize a mechanical or forced ventilation system which controls indoor air quality. When odors, gases or other air builds up inside a building, a ventilation system may be set up to vent the gases and/or expel unwanted air into the outside environment. Most kitchens and bathrooms have some type of mechanical exhaust to control odors and humidity content.

When a building is being constructed, most buildings have pipework that is inserted into the building to allow for air exchange with the surrounding environment. The pipework may be inserted into any portion of the building to allow for exchange with a plurality of different rooms within the building. The pipework typically culminates in an external structure, typically at the top portion of the building allowing for the venting of gaseous and other materials from within the building to the surrounding environment.

There are a plurality of different types of venting apparatus and systems utilized to vent air from inside a building to the surrounding environment. For example, natural ventilation may be used to ventilate portions of a building with outside air without the use of a fan or other mechanical system. This natural ventilation may utilize windows or other small architectural developments that allow for air exchange. This type of system utilizes very little energy but must be planned during the development stage.

Another common type of ventilation system is the roof stack. The roof stack typically has a base portion which is attached to the building and pipework in the interior of the building and a topper portion whereby the top portion and the base portion are attached to each other. The top portion is used to provide that no outside containments such as water, small animals and/or large particulate matter is allowed access into the building. The top portion is usually fashioned in such a way that it is perpendicular to the base portion. Most often, the top portion is welded onto the base portion prior to its insertion onto the building. The typical attachment means is a spot weld.

However, a problem with this typical attachment of the top portion to the base portion of the stack is that it can be very difficult to transport from the location of manufacture to the location of building construction.

Another problem that exist is that the spot weld is very variable and may be easily misaligned. Moreover, because the typical attachment means is a spot weld, it is possible that the weld will give way allowing the top portion to be displaced from the base portion.

A need therefore exists for an improved apparatus and system for ventilation systems whereby the ventilation system may be easily transported from the place of manufacture to the location of building construction. Additionally, a need exists for an improved fastening means to connect the top portion of the ventilation apparatus to the base portion of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved ventilation system and method for attaching a base unit to a top unit of an outdoor building ventilation system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ventilation with an improved and unique clasping system for attaching the topper unit and the base unit of an outdoor ventilation system together for easier transport to the site of construction. Additionally, the present invention allow for removal and replacement of either the top portion or the base portion relative to its corresponding parts without the need to replace the entirety of the ventilation system.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a ventilation apparatus for a building structure is provided. The apparatus has a base portion of the ventilation system whereby the to portion is adapted for extrusion of particulate from a building structure and a top portion adapted for releasable engagement with the base portion of the ventilation system. Moreover, the apparatus has a clasping mechanism whereby said clasping mechanism allows for releasable engagement of the top portion to the base portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a clasping mechanism wherein the clasping mechanism has a first section and a second section whereby the first section and the second section engage each other to provide embracement of one to the other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a clasping mechanism wherein the clasping mechanism has a first section attached to the top portion of the ventilation apparatus and a second section attached to the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a clasping mechanism wherein the clasping mechanism has a first section attached to the proximal end of the top portion of the ventilation apparatus and a second section attached to the distal end of the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a clasping mechanism wherein the clasping mechanism has a locking component for locking the clasping mechanism whereby the top portion is locked into position above the base portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a clasping mechanism wherein the clasping mechanism has a locking component located on the second section of the clasping mechanism and whereby the locking mechanism may be manipulated to allow for release of the top portion of the ventilation apparatus from the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ventilation system is comprised of a resilient material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a filter element whereby the filter element may be introduced into the base portion of the ventilation apparatus for filtration of particulate escaping from the ventilation apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a top portion that may be removably attached to the base portion and further wherein the top portion may be replaced with another top portion when desired.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for transport and facilitation of utilizing a ventilation apparatus and system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a ventilation base portion; providing a ventilation top portion adapted for fitment with the base portion; and utilizing a clasping mechanism to allow for mechanical engagement of the top portion to the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the step of: the ventilation base portion being tapered on its proximal end thereby allowing the distal end of another ventilation base portion to be adapted to fit onto the first base portion for shipment to a building construction site.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the step of: the ventilation top portion being constructed in a fashion to allow for adaption of a plurality of top portions to be fit in close proximity to each other for shipment to a building construction site.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the step of: adapting the clasping mechanism to have at least two sections whereby at least one section is located on the top portion and at least one section is located on the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the step of: allowing for a first section of the clasping mechanism to engage with a second section of the clasping mechanism for engagement of the first section and second section of the clasping mechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the step of: providing a locking component on the clasping mechanism to allow for secured engagement of the clasping mechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the step of: providing a locking component on the clasping mechanism whereby the locking component may be releasably engaged to allow for unlocking of the first and second sections of the clasping means.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the step of: allowing for removal of the top portion of the ventilation apparatus from the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the step of: providing a filter element insertable into the base portion of the ventilation apparatus whereby the top portion may be detached from engagement with the base portion to allow for insertion of the filter element into the base portion.

It is contemplated in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system for use in building ventilation.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, an improved ventilation apparatus and system is provided whereby the ventilation apparatus has a unique clasping feature.

Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus having at least a bottom and/or base portion and a top portion.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus having a base portion and top portion that are removably attached to one another for engagement and disengagement for one another.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved ventilation apparatus and system is provided whereby the ventilation apparatus allows for repeated removal and attachment of the top portion to the base portion.

Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system whereby the ventilation apparatus may allow for easy shipment of the top portion and the base portion to the sight of construction.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system whereby the ventilation apparatus may have a unique clasping mechanism thereon which may allow for connection of the top portion to the base portion at the site of construction instead of prior to shipment to the construction site.

Another exemplary embodiment is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system whereby the ventilation apparatus may have a plurality of clasping mechanisms allowing for disengagement of the top portion from the base portion when desired by a user.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved ventilation apparatus and system is provided whereby the ventilation apparatus may allow for substantially permanent affixment of the top portion to the base portion.

Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system whereby the ventilation apparatus may have a unique clasping mechanism whereby the mechanism may have corresponding lock and fastener connections on the top portion and the base portion.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved ventilation apparatus and system may be provided whereby the ventilation system may have a unique clasping mechanism whereby the clasping mechanism may be constructed of the same material as the top portion and the base portion.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system whereby the ventilation system may have a unique clasping mechanism whereby the clasping mechanism may be constructed of a different material than the top portion and the base portion.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system having a base portion and a top portion whereby a clasp is utilized to attach the base portion to the top portion.

Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system having a base portion and a top portion whereby the top portion may be releasably attached to the base portion utilizing a unique clamp configuration.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system having a base portion and a top portion whereby the top portion may have a first clamp section and whereby the base portion may have a corresponding receptor for the first clamp section to accommodate same.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system having a base portion and a top portion whereby the top portion may be removed from the base portion and whereby a filtering mechanism may be placed within the base portion prior to attachment of the top portion to the base portion.

Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system having a base portion and a top portion whereby the top portion may be removed after installation of the ventilation apparatus and replaced with another top portion when desired.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system having a base portion and a top portion whereby the top portion may be temporarily removed on an installed ventilation system to add filtering mechanisms, and/or replace the filtering mechanisms when the filtering mechanisms because clogged or dirty from particulate matter trapped thereon.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system having a base portion and a top portion whereby the top portion may be temporarily removed on an installed ventilation system to add filtering mechanisms, and/or replace the filtering mechanisms when the filtering mechanisms because clogged or dirty from particulate matter trapped thereon and further wherein the top portion may then be re-installed on the top portion and removal and replacement of the filtering mechanism.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved ventilation apparatus and system is provided whereby the apparatus has a top portion and a base portion whereby a unique clasping mechanism may have a locking portion located thereon to lock the top portion of the apparatus to the base portion of the apparatus.

Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system whereby the apparatus may have a unique clasping mechanism whereby the clasping mechanism may have a locking portion located on the top portion of the clasping mechanism.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system whereby the apparatus may have a unique clasping mechanism whereby the clasping mechanism may have a locking portion located on the base portion of the clasping mechanism.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system whereby the apparatus may have a unique clasping mechanism wherein the clasping mechanism may have a locking portion whereby the locking portion may be located on the top portion, the base portion or only on the locking mechanism itself.

Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation apparatus and system whereby the apparatus may have a unique clasping mechanism whereby the mechanism may have a segment attached to the top portion of the apparatus and a segment attached to the base portion of the apparatus.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved ventilation apparatus and system is provided whereby the apparatus may have a unique clasping mechanism whereby the mechanism may have a segment attached to the proximal end of the top portion of the apparatus and a segment attached to the distal end of the base portion of the apparatus.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved ventilation apparatus and system is provided whereby the apparatus may have a plurality of clasping mechanisms thereon each having a corresponding locking mechanism.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, left side perspective view of the ventilation apparatus and system in the engaged state in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front, left side perspective view of the ventilation system in the disengaged state in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front left side perspective view of the ventilation apparatus in the engaged shape as attached to the top portion and bottom portion of the apparatus in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front, left side perspective view of the ventilation apparatus clasping mechanism in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a left side elevation of the ventilation apparatus clasping mechanism in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of the ventilation apparatus and clasping mechanism in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom elevation view of the ventilation apparatus in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front elevation view of the ventilation apparatus in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear elevation view of the ventilation apparatus in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings wherein elements are identified by numbers and like elements are identified by like numbers throughout the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates the ventilation apparatus and system 1 that allows for easy transport, installation and removal of the ventilation system from a construction site.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a ventilation system 1 is provided whereby the ventilation system 1 may have at least a top portion 3 and a base portion 5. The top portion 3 in prior art ventilation systems typically is permanently affixed to the base portion 5. Additionally, these prior art ventilation system are permanently affixed by the use of permanent glues, rivets, soldering and/or some other form of attachment means. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the top portion 3 and the base portion may be attached by a clasping mechanism 7. The clasping mechanism 7 may have a first portion 9 and a second portion 11. The first portion 9 may be adapted to fit on the base portion 5. Moreover, the second portion 11 may be adapted to fit on the to portion 3.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the clasping mechanism 7 is in it closed and affixed stated. The first portion 9 and the second portion 11 of the clasping mechanism 7 are fully engaged about each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion may be substantially enclosed by the second portion 11. Moreover, as illustrated the second portion 11 may have a first planar surface 15 which curves into a first ledge 17. The ledge 17 leads into a second planar surface 21 having a corresponding inwardly facing ledge 25.

The first portion 9 may also have a first vertical planar surface 27 which may curve into a first ledge 29. The first ledge 29 leads into a second substantially vertical planar surface 31 having leading into a corresponding second inwardly facing ledge 33. Finally the second inwardly facing ledge 33 curves into a third substantially vertical planar surface 37.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first 15 and second planar surfaces 21 of the second portion 21 correspond with the first 27 and second planar surfaces 31 of the first portion 9 of the clasping mechanism 7. Further, the second inwardly facing ledge 33 of the first portion 9 of the clasping mechanism 7 is positioned substantially parallel to the second inwardly facing ledge 25 of the second portion 11 of the clasping mechanism 7.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first portion 9 of the clasping mechanism 7 may have a plurality of protuberances 41, 43 whereby the protuberances 41, 43 facilitate the procuring of the second portion 11 over the first portion 9. Additionally, the protuberances 41, 43 may provide for reasonable fixation of the second portion 11 over the first portion 9 whereby the protuberances 41, 43 must be moved and/or shifted in order to release the second portion 11 of the clasping mechanism 7 from the first portion 9 of the clasping mechanism 7. However, these protuberances 41, 43 allows for the top portion 3 and the base portion 5 to be removably attached to each other thereby allowing for removal of the top portion 3 from the base portion 5 when desired. An individual (not shown) may utilize the clasping mechanism 7 to remove the top portion 3 from the base portion 5 of the ventilation system 1 if the individual wishes to insert a wire mesh 47 into the base portion 5 which may provide better filtering of particulate prior to expulsion into the surrounding environment.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of storm water control basins and flow limiting inlet structures have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. As an example, although particularly well adapted for storm water control, the apparatus disclosed herein can be applied equally well to other fluid control applications where settling of sediment and/or filter of surface materials is desired. As an example, fluid accumulating in a detention basin may be the result of a container being drained or a surface being washed rather than a storm. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. 

1. A ventilation apparatus for a building structure, said ventilation apparatus comprising: a base portion of the ventilation system whereby the to portion is adapted for extrusion of particulate from a building structure; a top portion adapted for releasable engagement with the base portion of the ventilation system; and a clasping mechanism whereby said clasping mechanism allows for releasable engagement of the top portion to the base portion.
 2. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clasping mechanism has a first section and a second section whereby the first section and the second section engage each other to provide embracement of one to the other.
 3. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clasping mechanism has a first section attached to the top portion of the ventilation apparatus and a second section attached to the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.
 4. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clasping mechanism has a first section attached to the proximal end of the top portion of the ventilation apparatus and a second section attached to the distal end of the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.
 5. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clasping mechanism has a locking component for locking the clasping mechanism whereby the top portion is locked into position above the base portion.
 6. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clasping mechanism has a locking component located on the second section of the clasping mechanism and whereby the locking mechanism may be manipulated to allow for release of the top portion of the ventilation apparatus from the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.
 7. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ventilation system is comprised of a resilient material.
 8. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ventilation apparatus further comprises: a filter element whereby the filter element may be introduced into the base portion of the ventilation apparatus for filtration of particulate escaping from the ventilation apparatus.
 9. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the top portion may be removably attached to the base portion and further wherein the top portion may be replaced with another top portion when desired.
 10. A method for transport and facilitation of utilizing a ventilation apparatus and system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a ventilation base portion; providing a ventilation top portion adapted for fitment with the base portion; and utilizing a clasping mechanism to allow for mechanical engagement of the top portion to the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: the ventilation base portion being tapered on its proximal end thereby allowing the distal end of another ventilation base portion to be adapted to fit onto the first base portion for shipment to a building construction site.
 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: the ventilation top portion being constructed in a fashion to allow for adaption of a plurality of top portions to be fit in close proximity to each other for shipment to a building construction site.
 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: adapting the clasping mechanism to have at least two sections whereby at least one section is located on the top portion and at least one section is located on the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.
 14. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: allowing for a first section of the clasping mechanism to engage with a second section of the clasping mechanism for engagement of the first section and second section of the clasping mechanism.
 15. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: providing a locking component on the clasping mechanism to allow for secured engagement of the clasping mechanism.
 16. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: providing a locking component on the clasping mechanism whereby the locking component may be releasably engaged to allow for unlocking of the first and second sections of the clasping means.
 17. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: allowing for removal of the top portion of the ventilation apparatus from the base portion of the ventilation apparatus.
 18. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: providing a filter element insertable into the base portion of the ventilation apparatus whereby the top portion may be detached from engagement with the base portion to allow for insertion of the filter element into the base portion. 